You expect me to serve your mistress? The mistress is driving this scumbag and his entire family cra

Chapter 126 Was he coming for you?
The merchants in the pavilion all turned their heads to look at an inconspicuous corner behind them.

A man said in a low voice, "It hasn't been that long since we last met, and you're already getting quite irritated. I only offered you a cup of herbal tea, and not only did you not appreciate it, you even broke the cup. Be careful, or General Tong might try to extort ten thousand taels of silver from you for compensation."

Well, I don't even need to look; I can tell who it is just by hearing that nonchalant voice.

Liang Jiang snorted: "He didn't even come to see me after returning to the capital. He has no conscience."

"How could I dare? I heard that you're now being framed for having drinks with other men, and the rumors are spreading all over town. If I go to the Duke's mansion to find you and someone sees me, my reputation will be ruined."

Liang Jiang walked straight toward the pavilion: "What kind of reputation could you, Young Master Lu, possibly have? I'm already being kind by not caring about your tarnished reputation."

Only then did the merchants realize that the beautiful, spirited woman in red was none other than Princess Heya of the Duke's Mansion, the one who had been the target of everyone's scorn and the black sheep.

The unassuming man behind him, who had been huddled in a corner listening to everyone's criticism and condemnation of Liang Jiang, and occasionally chiming in with his own words and adding fuel to the fire, was none other than Lu Xingzhan, the second young master of the Earl's Mansion.

I'd heard that the two had always been good friends, but upon meeting, they each showed off their skills, giving everyone a real shock.

Based on Princess Heya's palm strike that shattered the stone from a distance, even if everyone present attacked her one by one, it wouldn't be enough to withstand a single, casual flick of her finger.

Immediately, everyone quieted down. They were still secretly cursing Lu Xingzhan for being so malicious; he had been the one stirring things up the most earlier, and now they didn't know how he would complain about them.

Adhering to the principle that it's never wrong to be polite, Liang Jiang greeted everyone with a cupped hand, regardless of whether she knew them or not.

Everyone exchanged glances, then quickly knelt down to pay their respects. After getting up, they showered her with compliments and praise.

Liang Jiang remained calm and composed, maintaining a humble and eager-to-learn attitude, listening to everyone's conversations about everything under the sun, including business acumen, the current situation in Chang'an, and which trades were suitable to start now.

Lu Xingzhan lowered his voice: "These are all cunning old foxes. They just insulted you so badly, but they're so warm and friendly when they meet you. They're completely different people, showing their two-faced nature so perfectly."

Liang Jiang looked enlightened: "Perhaps this is the true meaning of harmony brings wealth. After seeing more and learning more, one's perspective changes. One will not show it on one's face or in one's appearance, and one will not arrogantly express one's thoughts."

Lu Xingzhan gave a thumbs up: "You've become quite impressive since you returned to the capital. Your speech has become much more profound, with a lot of eloquence."

Liang Jiang glared at him: "Everyone else is avoiding this Hongmen Banquet like the plague, why are you here to join in the fun?"

Lu Xingzhan pulled an invitation from his pocket: "I'm here on behalf of someone else."

"Who?"

"Third Master."

Indeed, how could the Ministry of War possibly let go of such a powerful benefactor as Third Uncle?
Third Master Uncle doesn't need to come in person, but he still has to contribute some money.

Liang Jiang moved closer to him: "How much silver did your Third Uncle give you the authority to manage? So I can prepare in advance."

Lu Xingzhan shook his head: "Dream on, he's so stingy, he didn't give me a single penny."

"Won't you lose face later?"

Lu Xingzhan said mysteriously, "But my Third Master taught me a way to make money, called 'getting something for nothing.' It's guaranteed to make me look good today."

Liang Jiang immediately became interested: "Tell me quickly, I'm also short of money lately."

Lu Xingzhan scoffed: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed; they will lose their power if spoken aloud."

Liang Jiang pouted: "My third senior uncle is actually biased. I'll tell my master Wen on him the day I see him."

"Tch, if Third Master hadn't been worried you'd suffer today, he wouldn't have sent me to join in this fun. He sent me to lend you a hand. Don't act all innocent after getting a good deal." Liang Jiang chuckled, "Then I'll remember this favor as Third Master's debt."

Lu Xingzhan had left Beijing to manage his business, and the two hadn't seen each other for many days. While others were discussing business, the two chatted and laughed, joking around, completely oblivious to the donation they were making that day.

The merchants pondered that this Princess Heya was unfathomable and wondered how much wealth she possessed, as she treated money like dirt, as if she were a spendthrift.

Soon, there was activity on the drill ground as squads of soldiers entered the training ground in an orderly fashion.

The place was packed with people, but there was no crowding or noise. All you could hear were the orderly footsteps, the clanging of armor, and the occasional clash of weapons.

Everyone fell silent and stood up to admire this rare and breathtaking scene.

Then the leader gave the order, rearranging the formation, his voice rising and falling, occasionally interspersed with the soldiers' resounding echoes.

They were all in place quickly, and under the blazing sun, the silver spears and steel swords in the soldiers' hands gleamed with dazzling light.

The soldiers greeted the commander-in-chief of the training exercise in unison.

Liang Erye and a group of officials, like stars surrounding the moon, escorted the Minister of War, Tong Shouliang, as they strode confidently and imposingly from the military camp.

Many years ago, Liang Jiang had the privilege of witnessing her father and mother's departure ceremony.

At that time, he was just as majestic, even with an added touch of righteous indignation, and a calm and tragic composure.

Just like his second uncle, Tong Shouliang followed his father closely back then. In the blink of an eye, everything has changed.

She blinked, collected her thoughts, and looked again, and surprisingly spotted Gu Xizhi among the officials.

Gu Xizhi walked at the front, still dressed in a dark brocade robe with a jade belt and a golden unicorn riding on auspicious clouds embroidered in gold thread on his chest. His dark hair was tied up with a golden crown, and his whole body was filled with an aura of nobility and solemnity. He seemed to be walking leisurely, but he walked with the fortitude and determination of someone who would lead thousands of troops.

He strode confidently, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Only when he reached the pavilion did he pause slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing directly on Liang Jiang.

Liang Jiang never expected to see him here. For some reason, her cheeks felt slightly hot. She lowered her head in a fluster and knelt down with the others to pay her respects to Gu Xizhi.

"No need," Gu Xizhi said calmly. "I just happened to be passing by today and was honored to be invited. I am merely a guest, so please don't stand on ceremony."

Liang Jiang stood up, still keeping her head down. Lu Xingzhan poked her lower back and lowered his voice, "Was this for you?"

Liang Jiang spat softly, "What nonsense are you spouting? You're just playing the zither randomly!"

“Don’t think I didn’t hear the whispers,” Lu Xingzhan said, almost whispering in Liang Jiang’s ear, “When everyone was kneeling just now, I saw him stealing glances at you. His eyes were all sticky and lewd.”

Liang Jiang lifted her foot and subtly rubbed his toes.

Lu Xingzhan winced in pain, grimacing and gasping for breath, drawing the attention of several people.

Gu Xizhi was somewhat surprised: "Young Master Lu is here too? Could it be that he's also here to help others?"

Lu Xingzhan pointed at Liang Jiang: "We're family. I came here with her. Her money is my money."

Liang Jiang glared at him but didn't say anything. He really couldn't stand his own reputation, could he? Saying such ambiguous things in public.

(End of this chapter)